Should I add Action Points to my game?

[iwatt]

I'd recommend the "far more liberal" option. We've been having a blast with them, and it hasn't caused any balance issues.

Depends on your players. I'd love to use the more liberal option, but introducing it would lead to slower combats while my players try to remember what feat would be useful at the moment. I'm keeping it simple: AP to add 1d6* to a d20 roll or 1 AP to use an ability without provoking an AoO.


* The standard SRD rule for higher level characters rolling more dice is kept. basically it means that players are adding at leat 3-4 points consistently when spending an AP.

 

[Nebulous]

1 AP to use an ability without provoking an AoO.

Ooh. now i really like that. I haven't even seen that idea in other supplements.

 

[Chaldfont]

We started using APs both in our Eberron campaign and later, in our main campaign after we had so much fun with them. They really add another level of excitement to a major roll. My players tend to use them for crucial saving throws or to boost skill checks when they really need to make them. They also tend to encourage the PCs to do more exciting, risky behavior.

Once PCs get a ton of them, they tend to have too many, IMO. So they started negotiating with me on other ways to use them. I started using them as excuses to break the rules to allow the PCs to do cool things that weren't too unbalancing. For instance, I let a druid's PC cast tree form on two elf characters to sneak them past a drow guardpost. Its usually a personal spell, but I let him blow a boatload of APs to pull it off.

 

[Glyfair]

The standard Eberron model of APs won't cause a major change in the game. Using the far, far more liberal options from Unearthed Arcana, which include regaining just cast spells, using a feat you don't have (which, given Epic feats....), an extra action (move and full attack....), and even, if memory serves, casting a spell using a metamagic feat 'on the fly' (ie, Suddenly), will drastically change the game.

I'll also note that Eberron's method also allows some of hte more liberal methods options, but only with a feat. There is a feat that allows a caster to recall a single spell previously cast with AP expenditure, and one that allows an extra action in the round with 2 APs spent.

I think that's a nice middle ground for those who find the base Eberron method too limiting, but the more liberal method too powerful or too open-ended (slowing down the game while players check their choices).

Also, for those groups where the players are very conservative in their AP use, consider giving a bonus when it's used for the more heroic or cinematic action. Perhaps in those circumstances and AP might upgrade the die rolled (a d6 to a d8, a d8 to a d10). Maybe give the player a 50-50 chance to keep the action point when used in a very appropriate fashion.

 

[iwatt]

Ooh. now i really like that. I haven't even seen that idea in other supplements.

Maybe I had an original idea without realizing it?

seriously, I assumed I'd read about it in one of the gazillion possible action point systems. Just in case it's a new idea, I'll imeeaditely release it for free use by anybody, anywere, aytime.

 

[Shade]

Have you had players emulate feats alot? I would LOVE to see that happen. With the plethora of unused feats in the system, it would be nice to see some of them used creatively here and there, particularly ones that logic dictates anyone could use. I houseruled that you can use a feat you don't meet the prereq for so long as you keep burning AP for each prereq. Most players wouldn't waste them like that though.

Not alot, but a few times. One high-Dex character who rarely finds himself in situations where he can make attacks of opportunity found himself in such a situation...and spending an action point to use Combat Reflexes paid off nicely.

 

[sirkillian]

I'm considering adding Action Points to my non-Eberron game, using the rules found in Eberron (5+1/2 lvl every level, using non-exploding and non-stacking d6s to get a bonus of 1-6 points on a d20 roll.)

I've got to admit, though, I'm a little hesitant. How are they working out for people? Is there anything I should be aware of before instituting them?

I have been using them while running the Age of Worms and they have come in handy. The players like having a chance of survival.